IC card with radio interface function, antenna module and data processing apparatus using the IC card

ABSTRACT

An SD memory card contains an RF circuit, a controller LSI and a flash memory. The RF circuit is connected to an antenna module attached to the SD memory card. The controller LSI executes radio interface control and interface control for the SD memory card. By running a protocol control program and an SD memory card interface control program stored in a ROM, using an MPU, the controller LSI executes upper-protocol control and SD memory card interface control (security data access control, flash memory access control).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-000486, filed. Jan. 5,2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an IC card with a radio interface function,which is formed of a small IC card such as an SD (Secure Digital) card,an antenna module used for this IC card, and a data processing apparatususing the IC card.

Recent portable personal computers or various types of data processingapparatuses have a function for using an IC card (PC card) based on thePCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). The PCcard is used not only as a data storing medium, but also as an extensiondevice for expanding the peripheral functions of a host apparatus. Forexample, the PC card is used as a modem, a network card, a hard disk,etc.

In addition to the PC card based on the PCMCIA, smaller IC cards are nowbeing used. The IC cards of this type include, for example, an SD(Secure Digital) memory card provided with an electrically programmableflash memory, in which once stored data does not disappear even when thepower is turned off.

As described above, PC cards based on the PCMCIA are being used asexpansion devices for adding various peripheral functions that include acommunication function. On the other hand, it is difficult to use SDmemory cards, smaller than the PC cards, for adding a function, sincedata for realizing the function is hard to store therein. In particular,there is no conventional SD memory card of a small size that installs aradio interface function.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide an IC card with a radiointerface function installed therein, an antenna module used for the ICcard, and a data processing apparatus using the IC card.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an ICcard containing a radio interface function, comprising: a high frequencycircuit to be connected to an antenna; a memory; and a controller forcontrolling access to the memory and executing radio interface controlrelated to radio communication.

Preferably, the IC card further comprises antenna attachment meansattachable to and detachable from an antenna module provided with anantenna.

More preferably, the IC card further comprises an antenna connected tothe high frequency circuit.

Also preferably, the controller controls the memory so as to store, in apredetermined area of the memory, information specifying a destinationof connection, and executes the radio interface control on the basis ofthe information.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided anantenna module comprising: IC card attachment means to be connected toan IC card that has a radio interface function; and an antenna to beconnected to means incorporated in the IC card for realizing the radiointerface function.

Preferably, the antenna module further comprises a high frequencyamplifier connected between the antenna and the means for realizing theradio interface function, when the antenna module is connected to the ICcard by the IC card attachment means.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an ICcard containing a radio interface function, comprising: an antenna; ahigh frequency circuit connected to the antenna; a controller forexecuting radio interface control related to radio communicationexecuted using the high frequency circuit; and connection means forconnecting the controller to another IC card.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a dataprocessing apparatus having a slot for inserting therein an IC card,comprising: an antenna incorporated in a casing of the data processingapparatus; and connection means for connecting the antenna to an antennaterminal incorporated in the IC card when the IC card is inserted in theslot.

Preferably, the antenna is provided in an eject lever to be operated toeject the IC card from the slot.

More preferably, the antenna is provided on a surface of the casing.

Yet preferably, the IC card further comprises an antenna connectingterminal to be connected to an antenna that is provided in an ejectlever incorporated in a data processing apparatus and to be operated toeject the IC card from a slot of the data processing apparatus when theIC card is inserted in the slot.

Also preferably, the IC card further comprises an antenna connectingterminal to be connected to an antenna provided on a surface of a casingof a data processing apparatus, when the IC card is inserted in amechanism incorporated in the data processing apparatus.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and together with the general-description given above andthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A-1D are views illustrating the exterior appearance of an IC card(SD memory card) with a radio interface function according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an SD memory card 10 and anantenna module 12 employed in a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a modification of the SD memory card of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an SD memory card 10 c and anantenna module 12 employed in a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an SD memory card 10 d and anantenna module 12 a employed in a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic views of a fourth embodiment of the invention,showing a card slot formed in a data processing apparatus (hostapparatus), in which an SD memory card 10 can be inserted;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the invention,showing a card slot formed in a data processing apparatus (hostapparatus), in which an SD memory card 10 can be inserted; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an SD memory card 10 e and aBluetooth function expansion module 50 employed in a sixth embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A-1D show the exterior appearance of an IC card (SD memory card)10 with a radio interface function according to the invention. As shownin these figures, the SD memory card 10 has a connector (antennaattaching means) through which an antenna module 12 for radiocommunication can be attached thereto and detached therefrom. Theantenna module 12 has a connector (IC card attaching means) to beconnected to the connector of the SD memory card 10 so that the module12 is attached to the SD memory card. FIG. 1A is a plan view showing theconnection between the SD memory card 10 and the antenna module 12. FIG.1B is a view of a connection surface of the antenna module 12 and the SDmemory card 10. FIG. 1C is a side view of the connected units shown inFIG. 1A. Further, FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the connected unitsshown in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the antenna module 12 isattached to that side of the SD memory card 10, on which no signal pinsare provided.

<First Embodiment>

The SD memory card 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, according to a firstembodiment, will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the SD memory card 10 and theantenna module 12 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and employed in the firstembodiment of the invention. Suppose that the SD memory card 10 of thefirst embodiment has a radio interface function and uses Bluetooth as aradio communication system.

Bluetooth is the short-distance radio-communication standard, whichimplements radio communication within a radius of approx. 10 m using2.45-GHz band. In Bluetooth, the frequency hopping method is used asspectrum diffusion techniques and enables up to eight devices to beconnected by time-division multiplexing. In Bluetooth, the devicesconnected by time-division multiplexing constitute a network calledPiconet, where one device functions as a parent device and the otherdevices function as child devices. In the network (Piconet), connectionis certified using a code number called PIN (personal IdentificationNumber) code.

As shown in FIG. 2, the SD memory card 10 contains three elements, i.e.an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit 20, a controller LSI 21 and a flashmemory IC (Integrated Circuit) 22.

The RF circuit 20 (RF IC) is a high frequency circuit for executingradio communication based on Bluetooth, and is connected to the antennamodule 12 by the connector. The RF circuit 20 is also connected to thecontroller LSI 21.

The controller LSI 21 executes base band control (radio interfacecontrol) on Bluetooth and interface control on the SD memory card, andis connected to the RE circuit 20, the flash memory 22 and signal pins.The controller LSI 21 contains, as shown in FIG. 2, an MPU (RISC) 21 a,a ROM 21 b storing control programs, a link controller 21 c forcontrolling the lowest protocol of Bluetooth, an SRAM 21 d used as awork buffer memory, a memory interface 21 e for the flash memory 22, anSD card interface 21 f for a plurality of signal pins, and other devices21 g.

The ROM 21 b stores a Bluetooth protocol control program, an SD cardinterface control program, etc. The MPU 21 a executes the programsstored in the ROM 21 b to thereby execute Bluetooth upper protocolcontrol (Link Manager control, HCI control), interface control on the SDmemory card (security data access control, memory access control on theflash memory 22). The security data access control is performed foroperating a copyright protection technique called “PersonalIdentification” and provided in the SD memory card and also in anapparatus (host apparatus) that can use the SD memory card. In thesecurity data access control, when reading data (contents) stored in anSD memory card or writing data into the SD memory card, ID(Identification Data) prestored in the SD memory card in itsmanufacturing stage is transmitted between the SD memory card and thehost apparatus through encryption using key data items provided in boththe SD memory card and the host apparatus, thereby managing the copyinghistory of the contents and preventing their unlimited copying.

The flash memory 22 is a flash ROM (EEPROM) for the SD memory card, andincludes a system area, a protection area and a general user area.

In light of the efficiency of transmission/reception of radio waves, theadvantages of the high frequency antenna for Bluetooth can be realizedwhen it is protruded as much as possible from the casing of a dataprocessing apparatus as the host apparatus. Since, in the structureshown in FIG. 2, the antenna module 12 outwardly protrudes from the SDmemory card 10, it protrudes from the casing of the data processingapparatus when the SD memory card 10 is inserted in the card slot of theapparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, when the antenna module 12 is attached tothe SD memory card 10, an antenna 26 for Bluetooth incorporated in themodule 12 is connected to the RF circuit 20 of the SD memory card 10.

Since the SD memory card 10 has a radio interface function as describedabove, it can be used to expand the function of the data processingapparatus. Further, when the antenna module 12 is not attached to thecard 10, the card 10 is used as a general SD memory card.

In the structure shown in FIG. 2, the MPU 21 a executes protocol controlon Bluetooth and interface control on the flash memory 22. Wheninstalling a radio interface function based on Bluetooth in the SDmemory card 10, it is necessary to employ a controller LSI for executingBluetooth protocol control and a controller LSI for executing SD memorycard interface control, which means that two MPUs are required. On theother hand, in the first embodiment, the single MPU 21 a is used forBluetooth protocol control and SD memory card interface control(security data access control, memory access control). In other words,it is sufficient if only one controller LSI 21 is used, which isadvantageous in mounting component parts in the SD memory card 10.

FIG. 3 shows a modification of the SD memory card 10 of FIG. 2. An SDmemory card 10 b shown in FIG. 3 does not have the flash memory 22 shownin FIG. 2.

The SD memory card 10 of FIG. 2 can also function as a usual SD memorycard, while the SD memory card 10 b of FIG. 3 is used as an I/O(Input/Output) card dedicated to the radio interface function.

<Second Embodiment>

An SD memory card 10 c according to a second embodiment will bedescribed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the SD memory card 10 c and anantenna module 12 employed in the second embodiment. The SD memory card10 c of the second embodiment differs in the antenna mounting structurefrom the SD memory card 10 of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 2 or3). As shown in FIG. 4, an antenna A27 is provided in the SD memory card10 c along the side of the card on which no signal pins are provided,and is connected to an RF circuit 20. The antenna module 12 can beattached to the SD memory card 10 c as in the first embodiment (aconnector for attachment is not shown in FIG. 4). When the antennamodule 12 is attached to the SD memory card 10 c, an antenna B28 forBluetooth provided in the antenna module 12 is connected to the RFcircuit 20 via an antenna connector. The other structural elements aresimilar to those employed in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and hencenot described.

Provision of the antenna A27 in the SD memory card 10 c as shown in FIG.4 enables the card 10 c to have a radio interface function without theantenna module 12.

When, for example, highly efficient transmission/reception of radiowaves is not required, i.e. when short-distance radio communication isexecuted between a mouse as the host apparatus of the SD memory card 10c and a personal computer using the mouse, the SD memory card 10 c canbe used with the antenna module 12 detached therefrom. Since in thisstate, there is nothing projecting (i.e. the antenna module 12) from thecasing of the host apparatus, the host apparatus can be handled moreeasily.

On the other hand, when executing radio communication with a devicelocated at a distance from the SD memory card 10 c, the card 10 c isused with the antenna module 12 attached thereto. As a result, thetransmission/reception efficiency of radio waves is enhanced, and anecessary communication distance can be secured.

Thus, the SD memory card 10 c can be used as a radio communicationinterface card both when the antenna module 12 is attached thereto andwhen it is detached therefrom. Accordingly, the single SD memory card 10c can be used for various purposes. In other words, the card 10 c isvery versatile.

<Third Embodiment>

An SD memory card 10 d according to a third embodiment will bedescribed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the SD memory card 10 d and anantenna module 12 a employed in the third embodiment. The antenna module12 a of the third embodiment has, in addition to the antenna B28employed in the second embodiment (FIG. 4), an external RF amplifier 29that serves as part of a high frequency circuit (high frequencyamplifier).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the antenna module 12 a contains theinternal antenna B28 for Bluetooth, and the external RF amplifier 29.When the antenna module 12 a is attached to the SD memory card 10 d, theantenna B28 is connected to the RF circuit 20 of the card 10 d via theexternal RF amplifier 29 and an antenna connector. The other structuralelements are similar to those employed in the first embodiment (FIG. 2),and hence not described.

The external RF amplifier 29 amplifies a radio signal transmitted orreceived by the antenna B28.

Accordingly, the attachment of the antenna module 12 a to the SD memorycard 10 d increases the ability to perform radio communication ascompared with the second embodiment.

<Fourth Embodiment>

A fourth embodiment will now be described.

In the first to third embodiments, the external antenna module 12 (12 a)is attached to the SD memory card 10 (10 c, 10 d). In this structure,the antenna module 12 projects from the SD memory card 10, and hencemakes it slightly difficult to handle the card 10. In the fourthembodiment, no antenna is directly attached to the SD memory card 10,but an antenna installed in an eject lever incorporated in a dataprocessing apparatus (host apparatus) is used.

FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic views of the fourth embodiment of theinvention, showing a card slot formed in a data processing apparatus(host apparatus), in which the SD memory card 10 can be inserted. Asshown in FIG. 6A, the card slot has an eject mechanism formed of ejectlever component parts 30 and 31 for ejecting the inserted SD memory card10. The eject lever component part 30 extends in the card slot in adirection of insertion of the SD memory card 10, and has a distal endportion thereof protruding from the casing surface of the hostapparatus, and a proximal end portion thereof coupled to the eject levercomponent part 31. The eject lever component part 31 extends in the cardslot along the inner end (the signal pin side) of the SD memory card 10when the card 10 is inserted in the slot. When the distal end portion ofthe eject lever component part 30 is pushed toward the interior of thehost apparatus casing 38 (eject operation),.the eject lever componentpart 31 swings about the fulcrum in a direction indicated by the arrow(in a direction of ejection), thereby ejecting, from the casing 38, theSD memory card 10 connected to an SD memory card connector 35. The ejectlever component part 30 has an antenna 34 for Bluetooth contained in theportion protruding from the host apparatus casing 38, and an antennaterminal 37 provided on a side portion thereof that touches the SDmemory card 10 when the card 10 is inserted in the slot. The antennaterminal 37 is connected to the antenna 34. The entire antenna 34 doesnot have to extend along the portion of the eject lever component part30, which protrudes from the host apparatus casing 38, but part of theantenna may extend along the protruding portion.

The SD memory card 10 used in the fourth embodiment has an antennaterminal (antenna connecting terminal) 10 a provided on a side portionthereof that touches the antenna terminal 37 of the eject levercomponent part 30 when the SD memory card 10 is inserted in the cardslot. The internal structure of the SD memory card 10 is similar to thatof the first to third embodiments, and the antenna terminal 10 a isconnected to the RF circuit 20 in the card.

FIG. 6B illustrates a state in which the SD memory card 10 is insertedin the host apparatus casing 38. As shown, the distal end portion of theeject lever component part 30 containing the antenna 34 protrudes fromthe casing 38, and hence the transmission/reception efficiency of radiowaves is enhanced. Further, since it is not necessary to directly attachthe antenna module to the SD memory card 10, the card 10 can be handledeasily. Moreover, since the antenna 34 installed in the host apparatusis used, to add a radio communication function the user does not have toconsider the attachment of an antenna to the card, but just inserts theSD memory card 10 into the card slot, as in the case of a usual SD card.

If the host apparatus cannot be handled easily with the eject levercomponent part 30 protruding from the casing, the protruding portion ofthe eject lever component part 30 may be constructed as shown in FIG.6C. When, in the case of FIG. 6C, the SD memory card 10 is inserted inthe card slot, the protruding portion of the eject lever component part30 containing the antenna 34 is bent along the casing surface as shownin FIG. 6D. Even in this state, the transmission/reception efficiency ofradio waves is not significantly degraded, since the antenna 34 isexposed to the outside of the casing.

<Fifth Embodiment>

There now follows a description of a fifth embodiment.

In the above-described fourth embodiment, the antenna 34 used for the SDmemory card 10 is provided in the eject lever, while in the fifthembodiment, it is provided on the casing surface of the host apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the fifth embodiment of the invention,showing a card slot formed in a data processing apparatus (hostapparatus), in which the SD memory card 10 can be inserted. As shown, anantenna 40 for Bluetooth is mounted on the surface of the host apparatuscasing. An antenna terminal 42 is provided on the surface portion of thecard slot, which touches the antenna 40 of the SD memory card 10 whenthe card is inserted. The antenna terminal 42 is connected to theantenna 40.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, an antenna terminal (antennaconnecting terminal) 10 a is provided on the side surface portion of theSD memory card 10, which touches the antenna terminal 42 of the cardslot when the SD memory card 10 is inserted in the card slot. Theinternal structure of the SD memory card 10 is similar to that of thefirst to third embodiments, and the antenna terminal 10a is connected tothe RF circuit 20 in the card.

The antenna 40 provided on the surface of the host apparatus casing asshown in FIG. 7 enhances the transmission/reception efficiency of radiowaves. Moreover, since it is not necessary to directly attach theantenna module to the SD memory card 10, the card 10 can be handledeasily. In addition, since the antenna 40 provided on the host apparatusis used, to add a radio communication function, the user does not haveto consider the attachment of an antenna to the card, but just insertsthe SD memory card 10 into the card slot, as in the case of a usual SDcard.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the antenna terminal 10 a to beconnected to the antenna is provided on the SD memory card 10. However,if one of the signal pins provided in the SD memory card 10 can be usedfor antenna connection, the embodiments can be modified such that thehost-apparatus-side antenna 34 or 40 is connected to the SD memory card10 via the SD card memory connector 35.

<Sixth Embodiment>

A sixth embodiment will be described.

In the sixth embodiment, an SD memory card 10 e has only a usual SDmemory card function, and a Bluetooth function expansion module 50 (anIC card having a radio interface function) is further employed which hasa main structure for realizing the Bluetooth function. FIG. 8illustrates the SD memory card 10 e and the Bluetooth function expansionmodule 50 employed in the sixth embodiment.

The SD memory card 10e shown in FIG. 8 serves as a usual SD memory cardwhen only the card 10 e itself is used, and contains a controller LSI 51and a flash memory 52. The controller LSI 51 includes an MPU 51 a, a ROM51 b, an SD-BT interface 51 c, an SRAM 51 d, a memory interface 51 e,and an SD card interface 51 f. The controller LSI 51 includes elementssimilar to those of the controller LSI 21 of FIG. 2, except that it doesnot include the SD-BT interface 51 c and a communication interfacefunction. Accordingly, no detailed description will be given of thecontroller LSI 21. The SD-BT interface 51 c is provided for connectingthe SD memory card 10 e to the Bluetooth function expansion module 50,using a connector 54.

The Bluetooth function expansion module 50 is an IC card having a radiointerface function, and contains an RF circuit 20, a Bluetooth base bandLSI 56, and an antenna 58. The Bluetooth base band LSI 56 is providedfor executing Bluetooth base band control, and includes an MPU (RISC) 56a, a ROM 56 b storing a base band control program, a link controller 56c for controlling the lowest protocol of Bluetooth, an SRAM 56 d used asa work buffer memory, other devices 56 e, an SD-BT interface 56 f forthe memory card 10 e, etc. The Bluetooth base band LSI 56 is similar tothe controller LSI 21 shown in FIG. 2, except that it includes the SD-BTinterface 56 f and does not have a memory interface function. Therefore,no detailed description will be given of the LSI 56. The SD-BT interface56 f is provided for connecting the module 50 to the SD memory card 10 evia the connector 54.

The Bluetooth base band LSI 56 is connected to the RF circuit 20 via thelink controller 56 c. The RF circuit 20 is connected to the antenna 58contained in the Bluetooth function expansion module 50.

Thus, the SD memory card 10 e can usually be used as a general SD memorycard device, and can additionally have a communication interfacefunction when it is connected to the Bluetooth function expansion module50 that contains the antenna 58, the RF circuit 20 and the Bluetoothbase band LSI 56.

The above structure enables easy mounting of component parts in the SDmemory card 10 e, and enables the use of the card 10 e as an SD memorycard having a radio interface function by connecting thereto theBluetooth function expansion module 50.

A description will now be given of a method for setting a destination towhich the device of each of the first to sixth embodiments is connectedusing the radio interface function.

In a radio communication system such as Bluetooth, there is a case wherecommunication is performed with only a predetermined one of communicabledevices. In this case, information for specifying the predetermineddevice is necessary. In Bluetooth, communication of a transmitter onlywith a predetermined destination device can be realized bypre-registering, for example, a PIN code for the transmitter itself anda PIN code for the destination device as destination information, andexecuting communication based on the registered information.

For example, in each of the structures employed in the above-describedembodiments (except for the structure shown in FIG. 3), the destinationinformation is written beforehand in the protection memory area of theSD memory card. In the case of the SD memory card 10 of FIG. 2, thedestination information written in the protection memory area of theflash memory 22 can be read by the controller LSI 21 that executes radiointerface control and memory interface control, and can be used in thecard as destination recognizing information. As a result, communicationwith a preset destination device can be executed. On the other hand, theSD memory card 10 cannot access apparatuses other than a predeterminedhost apparatus having exclusive key data that is certified by thecertification means (security data access control means) of the SDmemory card.

Usually, it is not preferable that the destination information comes outto or changed by any person other than the owner of the card. In lightof this, the data processing system is arranged such that, as describedabove, (1) the SD memory card 10 is attached to any voluntary hostapparatus (such as a personal computer) to thereby enable the hostapparatus to communicate with a preset destination device, and (2)change of the destination device or reading of the destinationinformation can be executed only when the SD memory card is attached tothe host apparatus.

This arrangement enables enhancement of the convenience of the SD memorycard that it can add a radio interface function for setting adestination device, and protection of destination information of highsecrecy.

Although, in the above-described embodiments, an SD memory card is usedas an IC card having a radio interface function, the invention can bealso applicable to a small IC card having another shape and/or anotherfunction. Further, the radio communication system is not limited toBluetooth, but may be another radio communication system that canrealize a radio LAN.

As described above in detail, a radio interface function is installed inan IC card (an SD memory card), and hence the IC card is used to expandthe function of a data processing apparatus. When no antenna is attachedto the SD memory card, the SD memory card can be used as a usual ICcard.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1-12. (Canceled)
 13. An IC card for insertion into a card slot of a hostdevice, comprising: a radio frequency circuit; a flash memory chip; acontroller chip, being separate from the flash memory chip, configuredto control access to the flash memory chip and to control the radiofrequency circuit; and a connector connected to the radio frequencycircuit and attachable to and detachable from an antenna located outsidethe IC card, wherein the radio frequency circuit is detached from theantenna if the IC card is removed from the card slot.
 14. The IC cardaccording to claim 13, wherein the controller chip is capable ofproviding a security data access control.
 15. The IC card according toclaim 14, wherein the security data access control involves a personalidentification.
 16. The IC card according to claim 15, wherein thepersonal identification uses an identification data stored in the ICcard.
 17. The IC card according to claim 16, wherein the controller chipincludes an SD card interface.